Slow Art Workshop

A workshop to paint with pulverized mineral pigment in the traditional Japanese art of “Nihonga” technique.
Experience the contemplative practice from the 16th century to reconnect with our humanity in the 21st century. :)

UPCOMING WORKSHOP

  • March 6, 2026 in Atherton, CA with Joy of Drawing — SIGN UP HERE

FUTURE BOOKING
If you have a space to host a workshop, please contact me to schedule a time.
(We will need on site: Tap water, small cups, paper towel, pencils & paper)

  • SF Bay Area, CA: Early March and late August-early September (I can travel to other parts of the US during this time)

  • Tokyo, Japan: April-July and October-December

FEE INCLUDES

  • Mineral pigments

  • Oyster shell pigments

  • Squid ink

  • Sumi ink

  • Hide glue to bind the pigments

  • A brush

  • Mulberry-hemp paper

  • Snack from Tokyo

WORKSHOP TYPES

  1. Intro to Nihonga: Hands-on with mineral pigments, philosophy of Japanese aesthetics & sensibility

  2. Golden fan: Using a fan-shaped mulberry paper, which has been used to present poetry & paintings since the Heian period (794 A.D.) and symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic ideal of “elegance” as a “medium reflecting the heart” in gifts and ceremonies.

  3. Tarashikomi “Ombre” technique: Mineral pigments & Sumi ink, Mulberry paper board

  4. Momigami “Crumpled paper” technique: Mineral pigments, Hemp-mulberry paper, wooden frame, mizuhari tape (may need an iron)

  5. Prayer: Practice of surrender, Christ in Japanese culture, Make every stroke a prayer.

  6. Pilates flow: Watch the pigments flow in water, imaginative way of body-mapping to flow better

PAST SESSIONS